schwab



accompanying drawings, in which-- ing to allow the bustle to fold when the wearer distended and support the weight of the cloth UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEO L. SOHWAB, OF NEW "YORK, N. Y.

BUSTLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 295,438, dated March 118, 1884,

Application filed July 21, 1883. (Model.)

To all whom, it may concern: I Be it known that I, LE0 L. SoHwAB, of the city, county, andState of New York,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bustles, of which the following is a specification. r

My invention relates to certain improvements in bustles; and it has for its objects to provide an article which will be light, and which can be conveniently secured to the person of the wearer, and which, while the wearer is in an erect position, will automatically adjust itself and keep so adjusted in proper position, and which wi l yield and give to suit the movementsof the wearer, or'to fold when the wearer sits or inclines without injury, as more fully hereinafter specified. These ob jects I attain by the means illustrated in the Figure 1 represents a perspective view of my improved bustle with a portion broken away, showing the distending-spring; and Fig. 2, a detached detailed view, showing the spring and means of securing it to the body of the bustle.

The letter A indicates the body of the bustle, which is composed of an outer plaited fabric, a, of some suitable light material,with an inner lining, b, of suitable fabric, the two being secured to a waistband, G, which is provided with a suitable buckle, B, by means of which the article may be secured to the body of the wearer. The lining is provided with a series of loops or pockets, D, about midway between the top. and bottom of the bustle, which are arranged in a horizontal line across it, and in which is located a large spiral spring, E, which is attached to the sides of the bustle by loops G, the spring being of sufiicient strength to keep the bustle properly,

ing, and at the same time be sufficiently yieldsits or reclines. The said spring is of such length as to conform to the curve of the hustle and hold it in shape. In the present instance one of such springs is shown; but more may laced together in front of the spring, which are provided with eyelets I, through which are passed the lacing-cords K, by means 'of which the shape of the bustle maybe adjusted.

The advantages of my improved bustle will be apparent from the above description. It will be perceived that the article is light, has sufficient strength to properly support the clothing, and that it is so flexible as to accommodate itself to the movements of the wearer and resume its shape when required.

I am aware that a bustle has been heretofore made in which a coiled spring is secured to the lacing-flaps at the top of the bustle; but in such a device the adjustment of the bustle by lacing interferes with the functions of the spring; also, no provision is made for the permanent extension of the spring by securing it to the edges of the bustle to preserve it in shape.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s-

A bustle consisting of a band, 0, a plaited outer fabric, a, having a lining, b, with loops D, secured thereto about midway between the top and bottom of the bustle, the loops holding a large spiral spring, E, and the loops G, securing the ends of the spring to the edges of the bustle, and the flaps H, laced together in front and independent-of the spring, substantially as shown and described.

LEO L. SGHWAB. 

